Merging Science and Sport

Validation of the twitch interpolation technique to assess muscle activation in the leg press

We examined the extent of muscle contraction in a multi joint task (45 degree leg press). We found that results were comparable to previous work on single joint exercises and that humans could voluntarily contract 100% of muscle fibres in the quadriceps muscle during a maximal isometric 45 degree leg press. Accuracy was dependent on the strength of the interpolated twitch and knee angle where a stronger interpolated twitch and decreased knee angle (increased knee flexion) resulted in more accurate measurement.

Pickles, T, Shield, A, Zhou, S & Brennan, G 2000, 'Validation of the twitch interpolation technique to assess muscle activation in the leg press', Book of abstracts : 2000 Pre-Olympic congress : International Congress on Sport Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Education, Brisbane, Qld., 7-12 September, The Congress, Brisbane, Qld.